FA Barclays Premiership Report (23rd - 25th April)

EASTER weekend in the Barclays Premiership saw the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s title hopes, a goal drought end for Fernando Torres and an unlikely hat-trick hero at Anfield.  However, it was Manchester United’s weekend – as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took a giant step towards a record 19^th league championship.

     United edged ever closer to title 19 as they bravely ended Everton’s unbeaten run of seven matches at Old Trafford.  Javier Hernandez headed the vital winner in the 1-0 success, his 19^th goal of an incredible debut season.  The winner came with seven minutes to go; the Mexican powering home from close range after Antonio Valencia crossed in from Sylvain Distin’s error in failing to clear when he had the chance to do so.  Once again, the ability to grind out a result has seen Manchester United through, but the same can’t be said for Arsenal.

TRIBUTE: Tamir Cohen was full of emotion, after his late winner

      The silverware drought at the Emirates will stretch to six years after Arsenal lost 2-1 at Bolton on Sunday afternoon, to slip nine points behind with only four games to play.  Bolton had a deserved HT lead, as Daniel Sturridge was quickest to react to Samir Nasri clearing Gary Cahill’s header off the Gunners goal line.  Within moments of the restart, awful defending by Johan Djourou gave Bolton a penalty, but Szcenzy’s legs kept out Kevin Davies woeful kick.  90 seconds later, and Robin Van Persie equalised.  However, the sting in the tail came with two minutes remaining.  Tamir Cohen headed home unmarked in an emotional moment for the Israeli.  He ripped his shirt off to reveal a picture of his late father Avi on his t-shirt (Avi was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident just after Christmas.)  It is these moments when football is more than just a game.

     The same can be said at Villa Park at the moment, as Gerard Houillier remains comfortable in hospital after being admitted last week, complaining of chest pains.  Gary McAllister took charge of Aston Villa’s insignificant 1-1 draw with Stoke City.  The points shared, thanks to two fantastic headers by Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent.  Both these sides are as good as safe now.

OVER: The drought has concluded; Torres finally scores for Chelsea

     However, West Ham United doesn’t have such luxuries and Avram Grant’s team dropped back into 20^th place, following a 3-0 defeat at Chelsea.  A downpour hit the Bridge and the game was lucky to go ahead, especially with the puddles all over the pitch.  The result did flatter the home team, but they are now Manchester United’s only championship challengers.  Frank Lampard buried Chelsea ahead before half-time, but Robbie Keane missed two golden chances for the Hammers.  Five minutes from time, Fernando Torres finally broke his duck for Chelsea, at the 14^th attempt of asking.  The drought, which lasted 732 minutes, was a sigh of relief and the reaction the Chelsea players showed towards Torres showed that they are with him all the way.  Florent Malouda made it three, ironically from a Torres assist in the dying moments.

     At the Stadium of Light, it felt more like an episode of Casualty rather than a football match.  Sunderland lost Phil Bardsley to concussion, Danny Wellbeck due to a knee problem and a torn hamstring for Asamoah Gyan in their match against Wigan Athletic.  Remarkably, Sunderland overcame these cruel injuries and a wonderful opener from Wigan’s Mohammed Diame to win 4-2 and virtually guarantee Premiership football again next season.  The much criticised Jordan Henderson scored twice and Stephane Sessegnon added another from the penalty spot in 11 crazy second half minutes.

     Wigan dropped back into the relegation zone, as Blackpool climbed back out of the bottom three.  Ian Holloway’s side had lots of chances and also had three penalty appeals turned down, but could only draw 1-1 at home to Newcastle United.  Peter Lovenkrands had Newcastle infront against the run of play, before DJ Campbell levelled for the Tangerines.  Blackpool edged closer to Blackburn Rovers, who are now worryingly only a point above the line of trouble.  Blackburn lost 1-0 at home to Manchester City last night; City’s first away win in the Premiership since Boxing Day.  Edin Dzeko scored the only goal, his first in the league since his major move from VFL Wolfsburg in the January transfer window.

     City now have complete control of the final Champions League qualification spot, opening up a four point advantage over Tottenham.  Harry Redknapp’s 550^th Premiership match in charge started badly against West Brom, as Peter Odemwingie scored in the first ten minutes.  Nine minutes from time, a stunning curling effort from Simon Cox earnt the Baggies a deserved 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane, leaving Spurs cursing another two points dropped.  In the North London drama, Jermain Defoe scored his 100^th goal in the Premiership and also, Spurs 1,000^th in Premier League football.

     In the other two matches, Andy Johnson came off the bench and within 20seconds of his appearance, scored to peg back Wolves at Molineux.  Steven Fletcher had put Wolves infront with their first attack of the game, but the 1-1 draw doesn’t do Mick McCarthy’s team many favours.  At Anfield, Maxi Rodriguez hit an unlikely treble as Liverpool’s faint Europa League qualification dreams were kept alive.  Birmingham City got battered 5-0 at Anfield – their first league defeat against Liverpool since May 2004.  Dirk Kuyt continued his hot scoring streak and there was also a rare goal for substitute Joe Cole.

     So, there were two in the title race and now, its three from five in the relegation scrap as the 2010/11 Premiership season enters its final month this coming weekend.